News

While Midwest specialty crop growers recognize the value of pollinators, they often struggle to find practical, region-specific management guidance. A recent study of over 1,000 resources reveals a "pollinator information paradox": scientific articles offer high-quality data but are often paywalled, while more accessible non-profit and government resources frequently lack the metadata needed to be easily discovered. The research calls for improved metadata standards and more geographically targeted, crop-specific resources to ensure growers have the information they need. Read the full study!

Could dwarf pomegranates be the next must-have addition to the indoor garden? Research has evaluated these plants as a promising new crop that breaks the mold of traditional ornamental houseplants. Beyond their evergreen foliage and year-round flowering, these pomegranates produce edible fruit and thrive on an accelerated production cycle—flowering in under one year. This combination of rapid growth, aesthetic appeal, and utility makes them an ideal candidate for year-round production and holiday market demand. You can read the official publication here.

For golf course superintendents balancing labor shortages with maintenance demands, the question of whether to roll greens immediately after a fungicide application is common. New research confirms that rolling putting greens within 10 minutes of applying Secure Action (fluazinam with acibenzolar-S-methyl) does not reduce disease control. Field trials across multiple locations showed no significant difference in dollar spot or Rhizoctonia suppression between rolled and unrolled treatments, offering a data-backed green light to streamline your maintenance schedule. Read more on this study here.

The Department of Horticultural Science is thrilled to welcome Gigi DiGiacomo as the newest Senior Researcher!

In celebration of National Blueberry Month, we are highlighting Gabe Olson-Jensen, a Ph.D. student at the U. Advised by Matt Clark, Olson-Jensen is dedicated to investigating germplasm and PH tolerance traits in blueberries.

Stop guessing and start growing with science. 🌱🔬

Our new Coursera Specialization, Introduction to Ecological Gardening, is live! Emily Tepe will take you beyond basic tips to explore the real plant science and ecology behind thriving gardens.

🔗 - https://lnkd.in/eNWTTqdW

Every week during the 2025-26 academic year, ten Twin Cities high schoolers traded their classrooms for research labs, greenhouses, a poultry barn and graduate seminars, getting an early look at what careers in science actually look like. Dominic Petrella, associate professor of turfgrass systems here in HORT, hosted two students from Great River School. "The students completed greenhouse tasks like propagating plant material, collecting data on experiments, and utilizing equipment to measure plant health," Petrella said. Learn more about what these students learned here!

Raise a glass and honor the cold-hardy Marquette grape, introduced by the University of Minnesota twenty years ago!

This grape has helped shape the cold-climate wine industry and can hold its own against famous cousins like Merlot or Syrah.

Whether you’re enjoying a bottle from a local Minnesota winery or a vineyard in Quebec, you’re tasting years of UMN innovation—cheers!

Congratulations to Brandon Miller on being awarded the KcNight Land-Grant Professorship!

University of Minnesota researchers found dormant seeding can improve turf establishment. Tall fescue performed best and helped reduce weeds compared to other species. This method offers a practical alternative when ideal fall seeding conditions are missed. Learn more!